Corn beer facts for kids
Chicha served in a vessel known as a poto
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| Region of origin | Catacaos, Peru |
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| Ingredients | corn |
Corn beer is a special type of drink made from corn. It is a very old and traditional drink in many parts of the world. The most famous corn beer is called Chicha. You can find Chicha in the Andes mountains, and other kinds of corn beer are made in different places too.
Contents
The Story of Corn Beer
Corn beer has a very long history, especially in the Andes region of South America. It was made even before the famous Inca people lived there.
Archaeologists have found proof that women in the Wari culture were making corn beer a long time ago. This culture existed from about 600 to 1000 AD.
In 1796, a person named John Boston made corn beer in Sydney, Australia. This was the first time a fermented drink was made for sale in Australia.
You can even find old recipes for corn beer! One recipe is in a book from 1863. It's called Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests, Medical, Economical, and Agricultural. It was written by Francis Peyre Porcher.
Different Kinds of Corn Beer
Many cultures have their own special ways to make corn beer. Each kind has its own unique taste and story.
Chicha
Chicha is a very popular corn beer in Peru. People often drink it in special restaurants called picanterías in a city called Arequipa.
Tesguino
Tesguino is a corn beer made by the Tarahumara people. They live in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in Mexico. The Tarahumara make Tesguino for important celebrations, like during Holy Week. For them, Tesguino is more than just a drink. They believe it can help with healing. It is also used to trade for other things. The Tarahumara people think of Tesguino as a very special and sacred drink.
Umqombothi
Umqombothi is the name for a corn beer made in South Africa. It is made from maize (corn), maize malt, sorghum malt, yeast, and water. It is a traditional drink for the Xhosa people.
Images for kids
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A silver beaker from the ancient Chimú culture. It might have been used for drinking corn beer in special ceremonies.
